Hamilton retracts some stunning remarks he previously made.
In the world of Formula 1, the Hungarian Grand Prix of 2025 saw a dramatic turn of events as seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton publicly criticised Ferrari's strategy, suggesting that the mistakes made were not just operational errors but could potentially be deliberate, sparking suspicions of internal sabotage and questioning team principal Frédéric Vasseur's leadership.
Hamilton's comments, made on Sky Sports UK, followed a disappointing race weekend for the British driver, where he struggled with performance and finished 12th. The veteran driver even hinted that Ferrari should consider changing drivers, a statement that has intensified concerns about his future with the team.
Ferrari's management, particularly Vasseur, responded to Hamilton's comments, acknowledging the difficulties but also expressing concern over his radio messages and public statements, which have unsettled fans and raised doubts about Hamilton’s ongoing commitment to the team. Expert commentator Peter Windsor criticised Ferrari for allowing Hamilton to make such comments publicly, suggesting the team should have better managed his messaging to avoid damaging the relationship and his morale.
Hamilton's only highlight this season has been a sprint win in Shanghai. In races, his deficit to teammate Charles Leclerc is even worse, with a 3-11 disadvantage. After the race, Hamilton was hard on himself, calling himself "useless."
Despite the tension, Vasseur remains optimistic about Hamilton's future with the team. He believes that Hamilton will come back and fight again, and that he will definitely continue racing. Hamilton at least somewhat retracted his statement after the race, saying "I still love racing."
These developments imply serious tension within Ferrari during Hamilton's debut season, casting uncertainty on his future in Formula 1 and raising questions about Ferrari's internal dynamics and strategic decisions for both the current season and beyond. Experts also suggest that Hamilton's motivation may be influenced by the forthcoming major regulation changes in 2026, which could reset the competitive order and provide opportunities for Ferrari and Mercedes, potentially affecting Hamilton’s decisions about continuing his career.
In a surprising twist, Hamilton implied that there are issues behind the scenes that aren't good. However, Vasseur highlighted Hamilton's attitude to push everyone on the team, emphasising that the team principal values Hamilton's competitive spirit.
Hamilton qualified in 12th place during the Hungaroring race, with Leclerc securing pole position during qualifying. Hamilton has not made it to the podium in any of the 14 grands prix this season, and he currently trails Leclerc by 5-9 in qualifying.
The conversation between Hamilton and Vasseur took place on Sky Sports UK, with Hamilton's comments left room for interpretation. Despite the current challenges, both parties seem determined to resolve their issues and continue their pursuit of racing excellence.
These recent revelations about the strained relationship between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari's management have ignited discussions about the sportsmanship and camaraderie within the world of Formula 1. Despite the ongoing debates and criticism, both Hamilton and team principal Frédéric Vasseur maintain their commitment to the sport, with Ferrari continuing to field Hamilton in key races like the Hungarian Grand Prix. Underlying tensions, however, persist, raising questions about Hamilton's future partnership with the Italian racing powerhouse.
